Denver stays atop of lists with titles like "Best Places to Live in the U.S." and "Top Largest U.S. Cities," and for good reason. Not only is it visually stunning, but it's a veritable outdoor playground for people of all ages, with hiking and biking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The scene for foodies is off the charts, and, if you've been known to indulge in a craft beer or two, well, they've got that on lock, too.

Whether you're a southerner by birth or at heart, "Chawleston" (said in our very best south-of-the-Mason-Dixon-Line drawl) is a city not to be missed. It oozes charm in its mash-up of new vs. old, from its architecture to its Spanish moss-draped landscape. The culinary scene is repeatedly recognized as one of the U.S.'s best, and there's plenty to do whether you have a $1 or $10,000 in your pocket. Did we mention it also has beaches? Because it totally does.

If you've ever been to New York City, you probably fell in love ... and rightfully so. Everything about the city is magic, particularly if you can visit around the holidays. From breathtaking views atop the Empire State Building to the vibrant presence of Times Square, "The City That Never Sleeps" has — quite literally — something for everyone. Whether you have a long weekend to spare or you make a legitimate vacation out of it, you'll be impressed by the food, fashion, Broadway shows and bright lights.

Orlando is home to "The Most Magical Place on Earth," the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, so we can't not include it on our list of bests. It's easy — and relatively inexpensive — to get in and out of the city, and there are more things to do than you'll have time to accommodate, no matter the length of your stay. Think it's only for kids? Think again. Orlando's nightlife and more grownup-friendly roller coasters will have you thinking about leaving the kids at home with a babysitter.

The cat's out of the bag on this once-sleepy mountain town. Asheville is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including a weekly drum circle that has taken place for the past two decades. The Biltmore Estate isn't this eclectic city's only draw (though it's a big one). Its restaurants, galleries and museums will feel like a true getaway, but the real escape is traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in and out of town for a scenic breath of fresh air.

Ever had a fish thrown at you? It might not sound like your idea of a great start to a visit, but Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's most beloved attractions. And, yes, it'll probably rain while you're there, but don't let it dampen your spirits. There are plenty of outdoor activities to engage in when the rain clears, and getting out on one of Seattle's many bodies of water should be one of them. Coffee lover? A trip to Seattle, home to the original Starbucks, will add a little extra pep to your step.

How can you not want to visit a place that lives by the slogan, "Keep Austin weird?" In fact, after visiting, you may decide you want to move here. Austin ranks near the top of U.S. cities for jobs and quality of life. But, if you just want to visit, that's OK, too. The area is well-known for its live music and is home to the South by Southwest Music Festival. Too expensive? There's plenty of freebies around town, including a wide variety of murals to gaze at and, for a few bucks, entry into Austin's 3-acre pool.

Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street are just the tip of the iceberg if you're plotting a trip to the City by the Bay. It's such a cool destination that Journey sang about it in "Lights," saying, "I want to get back to my City by the bay." It's not a cheap stop, though, according to experts who place its meal costs among the highest in U.S. cities. Still, there are plenty of inexpensive attractions, and a ride aboard a cable car is an iconic city "must."

Washington, D.C., is worth a stop if for no other reason than history alone. You can spend an entire day cycling through national monuments to former presidents and world wars. If history isn't your thing, go the museum route because there are plenty, ranging from the well-known Smithsonian to more targeted facilities like the International Spy Museum, Newseum and Holocaust Memorial Museum.

If you didn't get all the Southern hospitality you wanted in Charleston, travel two hours south to Savannah, with its heavy dose of antebellum architecture and lush green spaces. Savannah's downtown lends itself to great walkability between attractions and restaurants, and if you're a movie buff, you can check out the spot where Tom Hanks filmed the "Forrest Gump" scene where he's waiting for the bus.

A few years back, Travel + Leisure magazine named Boston among its best cities to visit, the only in the New England area to earn the distinction. It could be Boston's myriad attractions like the USS Constitution or Boston Public Garden, duck boat sightseeing tours, breweries (Sam Adams calls Boston home) or a plethora of sporting events from teams like the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox.

"The Music City" wears its "NashVegas" nickname well, earned for its countless list of things to do. Foodie? Try the Nashville hot chicken. History buff? Check out the replica Parthenon or Belle Meade Plantation. Music lover? This is where Nashville really shines, with the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum all nearby. The Gaylord Opryland Resort is worth a visit, even if you don't spend the night.

Craving a trip to the city, but don't want to go "too big?" Charlotte might be your perfect mix. Its downtown will have you thinking big city vibes, but it's really a small town at heart. Home to both NASCAR and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte's LYNX rail system and bike-sharing program make it easy to navigate town, while just outside, you can enjoy whitewater rafting excursions and take in the local theme park, Carowinds.

We know, you saw Minneapolis on this list and immediately thought, "Mall of America." But don't be tricked into believing this one-half of the "Twin Cities" is a one-trick pony. Minneapolis, a city Bob Dylan sang about being a "rock and roll town," is a mash-up of arts, music and culture. Prince's hometown ("Purple Rain" was filmed here in the 1980s) has no shortage of outdoor features, too, including 13 different lakes and the "Spoonbridge and Cherry" art installation at the Minnesota Sculpture Garden.

If you're looking for a truly relaxing getaway, you might want to consider the spa- and golf course-heavy Scottsdale. Though it gets hot (hello, dry heat!), the lack of humidity makes it bearable and even enjoyable through the fall and winter. If you need a bit more activity, Scottsdale is home to spring training for Major League Baseball and plenty of places to shop — both big-name and eclectic — and dine.

We'll preface this No. 1 pick by saying there has been some resurgence as of late in the "Motor City," but it's still probably not going to be on your top travel destinations — yet. Detroit consistently ranks as a violent and crime-ridden city, and many people have left the area in search of jobs and a better quality of life. Those left behind have ranked among the unhappiest in the U.S., so it's safe to say we'll watch this one from a distance.

It pains us to put Baltimore on this list, thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and killer location on the Atlantic Coast (it's its second-largest port). But the city is also the setting for HBO's "The Wire," which should tell you everything you need to know about the drug and crime scene in the area. Baltimore ranks in just about every "most dangerous U.S. cities" polls out there, reason enough to stay away.

Advocates for traveling to Memphis will tell you that the crime and bad juju in this city is contained in an area you're not likely to visit, but why risk it? You can get the same excellent food and good music that Memphis has been known for three hours northeast in Nashville. Plus, it's home to Elvis' Graceland, so eww. Because the last visions we have of Elvis are of the greasy-haired, aging, onesie-wearing one-time King of Rock & Roll. Just don't.

Do people actually vacation in Oakland, and if so, why? Oakland and the heart of San Francisco are separated by only 40 or so minutes, but they couldn't be more different than night and day. Yeah, it's slightly warmer than the "City by the Bay," but it's also notorious for its above-average rate of violent crime. The best thing about Oakland, quite frankly, is watching it in your rearview mirror as you get out of town.

You've watched the news, oh, in the past 10 years, right? That should be enough to keep you from visiting this Midwest capital city. Sure, there's plenty to do and see here, but maybe you don't want to run the risk of accidentally venturing into the wrong part of town and hoping you make it out alive. Just pick a different destination; you'll probably lose your lunch on the 103rd-floor glass balcony of Willis Tower anyway.

Um, Little Rock ... what can we say? Arkansas' capital city has its perks — a trip to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, a stroll through Pinnacle Mountain State Park. But that's about it. Little Rock has its problems. A couple of years ago, it was named the most dangerous small city in the country. Yikes.

We know, we know, a place dubbed "Sin City" seems to be a shoo-in for a do-not-visit list. So, we didn't want to disappoint. There's definitely plenty to get into here, ranging from sketchy to even sketchier. Once you've experienced the Strip, there's not much left, which is why many travel guides use the word "overrated" when it comes to this Nevada destination.

Ah, Cleveland, the "mistake on the lake." Not a very flattering nickname, eh? The once-bustling Rust Belt city has seen its share of decay and decline over the years. We know Drew Carey is a big fan ("Cleveland Rocks," according to his now-defunct television show), but we're less impressed. If all you like are theme parks (hi, Cedar Point) and frigid winters with above-average lake-effect snowstorms, this is the spot for you.

Do you like crowds? How about miserable heat? What about overpriced meals, attractions and nightclubs? No? Probably best to steer clear of this south Florida city. It's not that Miami is so bad; it's just that it's not good. There are plenty of other beautiful beach communities where you can enjoy the scenery without fighting through a swarm of people or wrecking your credit card's spending limit.

You can see the Gateway Arch from I-64, which is precisely what you should do ... and then keep driving. The landlocked state of Missouri was actually the only state named to travel guide company Fodor's 10 places not to visit. The company cited the state's food and music scenes as positives but said it poses dangers to visitors. In 2017, St. Louis itself had the highest rate of murders in the entire country.

It's no secret that Houston has had its share of troubles lately, including being decimated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. But we're trying to be objective here. It has also had one of the highest rates of crime, from property crime to violent crime, for cities of its size in the country. Parts of the city are plagued by gang activity, and even some of its political candidates seeking office in the city have called its safety into question.

New Orleans is well known for its perpetual party-like atmosphere, which tends to open the gate for ne-er-do-wells and others looking for mischief. The popular Bourbon Street is probably a must-see under normal circumstances, but a tourist trap in every sense of the word. You'll leave dirty, with an empty wallet and perhaps smelling like urine. But, hey, if that's your thing, go for it.

Smog. Traffic. Traffic. Smog. Did we mention traffic and smog? On a list of tourist traps and overrated cities, Los Angeles is the crown jewel. There's nothing walkable about this community because everything is so spread out, so you'll need a car ... where you'll spend most of your time on your trip, sitting in traffic. Think you're going to run into celebrities at every turn? Unlikely. You're better off grabbing a "People" magazine and skipping this one.

If you weren't surprised by Las Vegas being on our list, its little sister, Reno, shouldn't shock you either. Sure, it's perhaps a more tame alternative to Sin City, but the "Biggest Little City in the World" still ranks highly on our "overrated" list. Unless you're a fan of dark casinos that take your money and overpriced, average meals, there are better places for you to spend your time.

We have a love-hate relationship with New York — the reason it's the only city to make both the "best" and "worst" parts of our list. New York is big, loud, crowded and expensive, but it's also ... big, loud, crowded and expensive. Should you see it once in your life? Probably. But don't make a habit of it. It's tricky to navigate (hello, achy feet), the crowds are out of control, and everything will cost you more than it's worth.